Sleeved_4.3.13

Can't wait LOL!!!!!

Hi Lisa, What a coincidence... I tried to get the band several years ago and the surgeon perforated my stomach and the surgery was aborted so I never had the band. I am grateful that I am a candidate for the sleeve and I can't wait for the day! I would have never imagined going thru another surgery but her I go!!!

Ok...great...thanks for the info everyone

Hi Smitty, I am scheduled for April 3rd....just finishing up the 6 month nutritional counseling. I can't believe how time is flying by. Soooo excited and nervous at the same time. My mom had her surgery with Dr. Bass and had nothing but positive things to say about him, the staff, and the hospital. Are you having surgery at PRMC Collier Blvd?

Hi Everyone.....I would like to formally introduce myself. I have been lurking around the messageboards for quite some time! In 2005 my best friend and I travelled out of state to have the Lap Band procedure. We had researched the procedure for about a year prior to that. We were both self pay so we were looking for a surgeon with a good reputation while considering the cost. We had found our surgeon and were so excited to start our weight loss journey. We flew together out of state. Her mother met us the day of surgery and planned on keeping an eye on us while we recovered. The day of surgery came and I was first. Unfortunately and unexpectedly the surgeon perforated a hole in my stomach. He resorted to cutting my esophagus to wrap it around the portion of the stomach that was perforated to reinforce the perforation. I woke up to find out that the surgeon had to abort the procedure due to the perforation. Such a HUGE disappointment!!!! This was the first time the surgeon had perforated a stomach/had complications during surgery. My friend decided with her mom that she would go ahead with the surgery. They spoke with the surgeon and were assured that the chances of this happening is less than 1% and this was the first time something like this had occured. In the meantime I was in recovery not knowing any of this was going on. My friend had her surgery and it went smoothly. My husband flew to be by my side. A few days went by and her mother flew back home and my husband took care of the both of us. While I was so happy for my friend that she was doing great and her surgery went fine.....I couldn't help but feel sad for me. After we were released from the hospital, my friend started not feeling well. She had a very hard time swallowing. Drinking fluids was very difficult for her. We stayed at a nearby hotel for a week so we could have our final appointment with the surgeon. She complained that she couldn't drink fluids but he dismissed her. I believe he was very uncomfortable with me considering what he had done during my surgery thus dismissing her so we would just leave. My husband, my friend and I flew home. I told my friend that we would take her home and pick up her car at a later time from the airport but she insisted that she was fine and would be fine. Despite me pleading with her, she hopped in her car and I hopped in my husbands car. Driving on the major highway, she was right in front of us. About 5 minutes on the highway she crossed over the median and hit a tractor trailer head on. We saw the entire accident happen. We ran to her side where we found her unconscious.. They airlifted her to the hospital and we followed. In short, she had to have her hand amputed and is a quadrapalegic in a skilled nursing facility for the rest of her life. Such a horrible turn of events. I have been dealing with the guilt, anger and depression for 6 years now. I have finally gotten the nerve to write about our story. I was told by that surgeon that the band would never be an option after this occurene.....tonight I went to a LOCAL seminar presented by a highly esteemed surgeon. I was given hope......he will review my records and decide if he would/could do the Lap Band surgery and if not...he will present me with all options. I am so conflicted considering what had happened.... For now all I can do is get my records and wait for the surgeon to review them. I now have insurance that will cover weight loss surgery so that helps....but if given the "green light" can I actually go through with this? Am I crazy for even thinking about doing it? Was what happened 6 years ago a sign? After this ordeal I thought maybe I can do this on my own....I have tried. I had gained an additional 30lbs and recently lost 30lbs and I am exactly where I was the day of surgery. People say "you have to make the decision for you"....I don't know what to do though??? I wish I had the answer.

Thank you to everyone for your kind words! I appreciate it. The surgeon I have chosen is local and is part of a Center of Excellence. I'm still waiting for my records from the first attempt at surgery then I can schedule the initial consult with the new surgeon. I am anxious to hear what he has to say but still not sure that I can go through with it (if it's even possible). I'll be sure tto send an update once I know more. Thanks again!

I feel terrible for you! If you can, I would try and find another surgeon. I had a similar experience with a surgeon who attempted to do the lap band surgery in 2005 when he perforated my stomach. They pretty much treat you like it's all your fault and your crazy because they don't want to accept responsibility for a mistake that they made. It would be so much easier to deal with if the surgeon would just say "I made a mistake and I am going to fix it". Sending you positive thoughts and prayers.

Thanks for understanding, Kala.

I never really thought of it that way. I am greatful for your perspective. Her family sued the surgeon and was awarded just enough to cover the lawyer fees. The dietitian actually sided with her lawyers. Appparently she was severely dehydrated resulting in her passing out etc... The surgeon reimbursed me $5000 of the $130000 I paid. When he called my husband to advise him of the complication he said verbatim "I F'D up". "I can do the bypass at no charge" but my husband had to make the decision while I was still on the operating table. He told the surgeon "no way....just fix the hole"

Thank you, Firecallie for your response. I didn't know that they have improved the band since 2005, interesting. I am curious to know what exactly they have improved. The device or the technique or both?

Hello.... I'm new to this forum. I plan on sharing my weight loss surgery journey in the near future but I just have a quick question. When people comment that they are nauseous/vomitting immediately and a couple of days post surgery, is it because of the anesthesia? Or is it an effect directly from the surgery? I guess my question is if I've had surgery before and was not nauseous after (I've had a few surgeries) can I expect the same thing if I were to be sleeved??? Sounds like a silly question I'm sure but for me throwing up is the WORST!! Not that it would deter me from being sleeved, just wondering. Thanks!

Thank you shellbell27.... I appreciate your response. It seems like almost everyone has experienced this.

Hi QueenBeeFla, Where are you having the surgery? Have you set a date yet?

Hi QueenBeeFla, I have only heard very good things about Dr. Bass. I was excited to see that you live in Bonita.....I live in Naples. I plan on attending the seminar July 26th at Physician's Regional (Dr. Bass' seminar). Since you are ahead of me I look forward to hearing your thoughts after the consultation!

Dear SkyLily, Thank you for your words of wisdom. I thoroughly enjoy reading your posts! I am going to a local support group to listen and gather information this week. I'll be sure to send an update! I wish you the best!

I completely sympathize with you and others who have gone through a similar journey. During my surgery the surgeon perforated my stomach and had to abort the surgery completely. I have been struggling with what to do....do I try again with the band? I just don't know what to do.